How To Know If You Have Mold

Mold is one of the most common threats to health in the U.S. today. It can grow almost anywhere and often grows unabated out of sight and out of mind. Just because you can’t see mold you shouldn’t automatically assume that no mold is present in your home or business.

There are many simple things you can do the check to see if you have mold in your house yourself, and regular mold inspections by a environmental professional are never a bad idea either.

Read on below to learn more about how to know if you have mold.

Warning Signs You Have Mold

There are several key indicators that you should look for if you suspect you have mold, but you aren’t quite certain. You should routinely check for these indicators if you live in a very hot and humid climate or if you have recently experienced water leaks at your property.

Below are some common indicators that mold may be present in your home.

Musty Odor

Mold has a very pungent and distinct smell. When mold is present in a room or general area, you should notice an unusual smell in that part of the building. Mold can, and actually prefers to, live behind walls, under floors, or even behind wallpaper, so it may not be visible. If you notice an area with an unusual, musty odor, you may want to check for mold. You can cut a small piece of drywall to see if mold is present or pull up a section of carpet to check if mold is growing underneath. If you have a crawl space or basement, you should check there as well to see if you can find mold.

The Appearance of Mold

This one seems pretty obvious. Mold has a distinct appearance that can sometimes be confused with mildew. If you notice areas in your bathroom that appear to have mold, it is most likely mildew. Even if it is mold, simply clean it off. Mold you can’t see is the far greater danger. If you have areas that stay humid or moist, you shoudl check these areas regularly. Basements and crawl spaces are ideal for mold growth. If you notice something that looks like mold in these areas, it is very likely that it is mold and you should immediately schedule a mold inspection. If the inspection confirms mold, immediately schedule mold remediation services.

Decline in Health

If you notice ongoing poor health, this may be a sign that mold is present somewhere in your home or office. Since mold is often found behind walls, in air ducts, or under floors, health may be a strong signal that mold is growing. If you are experiencing persistent congestion, watery eyes, or general listlessness, these may be strong indicators for the presence of mold.

Mold Removal in the Gulf Coast Region

If you need mold removal at your home or business in the Gulf Coast region, contact Action Restoration today! We will provide you with a comprehensive assessment of the mold damage that has been done to your property and an estimate of the cost and amount of time it will take to repair. We will assist you with your insurance claims to ensure that everything is filed correctly so that your repairs can begin as quickly as possible.